If you are caring for an aging parent, you might wonder when it will be time for your parent to move from an assisted living facility to a nursing home. There are many different issues involved with the care needs of elderly adults, and the professionals at Elder Care Direction are here to answer the questions that you might have. Here is some information to consider when it might be time for your loved one to move to a setting with a higher level of care.
The type of agreement that you have with your loved one’s retirement community
Many assisted living facilities have rental agreements that include provisions that a resident can be asked to move if he or she needs more care than the facility can provide. The facilities vary in the type of care that they will provide. Some will take care of your loved one through hospice care while others will require your loved one to move if he or she is unable to manage his or her own medications. If your loved one lives in a continuing care retirement community, the nurse’s assessment will likely determine your loved one’s level of care and location.
Interventions that might postpone your loved one’s move to a nursing home
Many elderly people derive significant benefits from exercise and physical therapy. Your loved one may become stronger and learn how to get up after falling with strength-training and guidance from a trained professional.
You can also arrange extra help from a third-party. This might include in-home care to offer companionship, nursing care, and cleaning services. If you can, increase your own involvement and that of your family members. If you are visiting every day, the staff at the assisted living facility will be less likely to worry about safety issues.
Hold harmless agreement
Many facilities are concerned about potential liability. If you want your loved one to be able to remain in his or her assisted living facility, you might be able to negotiate a hold harmless contract. This is an agreement that you will not sue if an adverse event occurs.
Other considerations
Your decision about whether your loved one should remain in the assisted living facility or move to a nursing home should be informed by other factors. Nursing home care is normally more expensive. It might also be more difficult to visit your loved one if he or she is in a setting with a higher level of care.
If your loved one is suffering from a progressive medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s, moving earlier in the process of the disease might be easier in the long run. An earlier move might allow your loved one to make new friends and to master his or her new environment before the disease progresses further.
Get help from Elder Care Direction
Talking to professionals can be helpful when you have to make a difficult decision about your loved one’s care. You can start by talking to your loved one’s doctor to obtain his or her opinion about the most appropriate level of care. You might also want to meet with the professionals at Elder Care Direction for some general information and guidance. Call us today to schedule a consultation.